Where to stay in Montreal

Exploring Montreal

Lively, cultural, historic, and the heart of French-speaking Canada, Montreal is a delight to visit on holiday or business. Old Montreal, comprising the Old Port and the waterfront Old Town, is a favourite with tourists, and the soaring skyscrapers of the downtown district attest to the city’s place as one of Canada’s strongest economic hubs. Party central is found in the Quartier Latin and the adjacent Le Village, with their restaurants, nightclubs, bars, trendy boutiques, and pubs. North of the downtown district is the see-and-be-seen Plateau quarter with its quaint buildings, theatres, multi-cultural communities, and summer festivals.

Montreal’s strategic setting on an island in the estuary of the St Lawrence River was originally home to an Iroquois Indian settlement, and is still a hub for trade in the present day as well as being famous for its parks, green spaces, and huge variety of festivals, ranging from ethnic fairs to massive international events. Downtown and Old Montreal are best explored on foot, and the city’s metro, commuter rail, and bus systems take care of travel to the remainder of its interesting districts. Fans of outdoor activities can enjoy cross-country skiing and ice-skating in winter, and watery activities, such as kayaking, boating, and river-surfing, are all popular.

Accommodations in Montreal

There is a range of options for all travelers. The most popular hotel in Montreal is the Appartement au 200 Cèdres, which has been booked 5 times from our Hotels.com verified guests. Our guests also highly recommended LMVR - LuxApt 3 - 7 bedrooms 2 bathrooms in Montreal as it has been reserved 5 times.

Sightseeing in Montreal

Montreal buzzes from dawn to past midnight, and its decidedly French flavor is an added attraction, especially in its restaurants and stylish shopping areas. Its historic Old Town holds heritage buildings dating from the 17th century onward, in addition to first-rate museums.

Old Montreal tells the 350-year-old history of the city right up to the present day through its cobbled streets, heritage buildings, traditional street market, the Victorian Gothic Basilica of Notre Dame, and the Vieux Port area, now a riverside green space holding attractions such as the Cirque du Soleil, the Science Centre, the Labyrinth, and the Clock Tower. Pedestrianised Place Jacques Cartier is home to street theatre, musicians, good restaurants, and art galleries.

Located just a few minutes' walk from Old Montreal, this area is definitely the city's trendiest neighborhood. Its old, brownstone townhouses have been updated with splashes of color by the fashion-consious residents. Walk along Rue Saint-Denis, where traditional houses have been converted into stylish boutiques, selling everything from alternative fashion to vintage books. You'll find plenty of cool cafes to sit in and enjoy the day.

Transportation in Montreal

Montreal’s efficient metro system is the best public transport option for getting around the downtown districts, although the non-air-conditioned trains can be stuffy in summer and signage and announcements are given in French only. For exploring further, the commuter rail system covers the city and its far-flung suburbs, and taxis are easily available albeit expensive. The public bus system is comprehensive, but the French signage can be confusing for non-French speakers.